St Annes Swimming Pool & Gym is a vital community facility that has served residents and visitors for many years. This page provides the latest information on the pool’s current status, planned improvements, and what to expect when it reopens.
Places Leisure has ambitious plans to transform St Annes Swimming Pool & Gym into a modern, multi-use leisure facility. Proposed improvements include:
- A new gym
- A new health suite
- An indoor splash pad
- A café
- Wider building improvements
These images are for illustrative purposes only and are subject to change.
Latest Update – July 2026
St Annes Swimming Pool & Gym will move directly into a full refurbishment programme, after detailed structural surveys identified additional issues requiring more extensive work than originally planned.
Rather than risk short-term fixes and repeated closures, specialist advice recommended proceeding straight to a complete refurbishment – delivering a modernised pool, first-floor gym with sea views, a new studio, spa facilities, an indoor splash pad, upgraded changing rooms and a café.
With Fylde set to join a new authority covering Fylde, Wyre and Blackpool in 2028, pressing ahead now secures this investment for St Annes while decisions remain locally led.
For membership queries, visit: https://www.placesleisure.org/st-annes-swimming-pool-gym-faqs/
About St Annes Swimming Pool
St Annes Swimming Pool first opened in 1986 and has been a cornerstone of leisure provision in Fylde ever since. The facility is owned by Fylde Council, which is responsible for maintaining the building and its assets.
The pool was operated by the YMCA from 2010 until April 2026, when Places Leisure – part of Places for People, one of the UK’s leading social enterprises – took over under a new 15-year contract. This transition marks the start of a significant period of investment in the facility, with Fylde Council committing a minimum of £1.9 million in essential works as part of a wider £9.3 million swimming investment package approved at Full Council in January 2026.
Investment and Improvements
Fylde Council has made significant investment in St Annes Swimming Pool to ensure its long-term sustainability and enhance the facility for users.
Capital Investment
As part of the £9.3 million investment package approved in January 2026, Fylde Council has committed a minimum of £1.9 million for essential works at St Annes Pool. Investment in the facility aims to improve its long-term financial sustainability, with the new operating model designed to reduce the annual subsidy the council has historically provided.
Energy Efficiency Improvements
The pool has already benefited from nearly £300,000 in funding through Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund, enabling the installation of energy-efficient boilers and solar panels in autumn/winter 2024. These improvements are helping to reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and support the long-term affordability of the facility.
Council Support for St Annes Pool
Fylde Council has consistently supported swimming provision at St Annes through various measures:
Additional subsidy approved to support YMCA operations during a period of increased cost pressures. Read the full report.
Successful application to Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund Phase 1, providing emergency funding to assist facilities facing elevated closure risk due to increased operational costs. Read more.
Successful application to Sport England’s Swimming Pool Support Fund Phase 2, securing capital investment for energy efficiency improvements. Read more.
Approval of funding for comprehensive works and procurement strategy for new operating contract. Read more.
Contract extension agreed with YMCA until 31 March 2026, ensuring continuous service during procurement process. Read more.
Places Leisure appointed as preferred operator following competitive tender process. Read more.
Fylde Council’s Executive Committee recommended a £9.3 million investment package – the most ambitious swimming and leisure investment in the council’s history. Read more.
FAQs
For frequently asked questions, including membership queries, visit our Swimming FAQs page
